YoloinOhio Posted February 10, 2021 Share Posted February 10, 2021 (edited) Mckenzie Aka McKittrick aka lil Dirty is a UFA. He will be 26 in April. In 2020 regular season he played in 16 games with 7 starts. He played in 26 percent of offensive snaps and 3 percent of ST snaps. He had 30 catches on 34 targets for 282 yards and 5 TDs. He had 1 drop. He also threw for a TD, had a punt return TD and scored a TD In the AFCCG. He was on a 1 year deal in 2020 for 962k, after the Bills declined to tender him as an RFA. I do not see where to find his market value, if anyone sees that please post. Edited February 10, 2021 by YoloinOhio 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
JMF2006 Posted February 10, 2021 Share Posted February 10, 2021 He could be the kick and punt return man if they decide to keep him. I don't see a fringe player asking for the moon in this climate/market/cap crunch 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
DrDawkinstein Posted February 10, 2021 Share Posted February 10, 2021 I'd like to keep him. Seems to have good chemistry with the team, and seems under-utilized for what he is capable of doing. I'd keep him over Brown. 5 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
YoloinOhio Posted February 10, 2021 Author Share Posted February 10, 2021 1 minute ago, JMF2006 said: He could be the kick and punt return man if they decide to keep him. I don't see a fringe player asking for the moon in this climate/market/cap crunch I’m coming around to feeling more comfortable with the KR/PR duties but I still prefer Andre Roberts. He didn’t have a TD and he made a few mistakes this year but he’s still very valuable when it comes to his role and field position. If McKenzie did end up replacing him, I wouldn’t cry, but think I’d still prefer roberts. 2 1 2 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
JMF2006 Posted February 10, 2021 Share Posted February 10, 2021 1 minute ago, YoloinOhio said: I’m coming around to feeling more comfortable with the KR/PR duties but I still prefer Andre Roberts. He didn’t have a TD and he made a few mistakes this year but he’s still very valuable when it comes to his role and field position. If McKenzie did end up replacing him, I wouldn’t cry, but think I’d still prefer roberts. With a 225m cap Andre gets another year I think. With a 175/180m cap I think 33 yr old kick and punt returners are a luxury that's unaffordable 2 7 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
YoloinOhio Posted February 10, 2021 Author Share Posted February 10, 2021 4 minutes ago, JMF2006 said: With a 225m cap Andre gets another year I think. With a 175/180m cap I think 33 yr old kick and punt returners are a luxury that's unaffordable They probably need to keep at least one of these guys unless that draft someone who can do both and do both well. I do not want to see roberts out there for any meaningful snaps as a WR but I’m good with McKenzie out there at any time. 4 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Nester Posted February 10, 2021 Share Posted February 10, 2021 I like him, he has fast and great utility. Would love to keep him for the same as last time but that's not realistic. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
H2o Posted February 10, 2021 Share Posted February 10, 2021 I would like to have him back in the fold. He offers a lot with those trick plays, as a #4 WR, and in the return game. I think he could eventually take over for Beasley in the slot a couple years down the road. 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
eSJayDee Posted February 10, 2021 Share Posted February 10, 2021 I think it's more a matter of him not wanting to sign w/ us. He's a solid contributor here, as a 4th or 5th WR. One can't afford to pay a 5th WR well. Further, I would suspect someone desperate to upgrade their WR position would see his productivity here & think he's got a (good) chance of being a significant contributor for them & of course offer him commensurate pay. As for KR, I think he could be good & therefore worthy more $. I'd be hesitant to let him return punts as I think he'd be a noticeable downgrade relative to Roberts WRT fielding the ball. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Like A Mofo Posted February 10, 2021 Share Posted February 10, 2021 This is a tough one. Would love to see Isiah stay but could not blame him if he seeks more money and term somewhere else. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Special K Posted February 10, 2021 Share Posted February 10, 2021 Not that I don’t like Roberts, but if the Bills could only keep McKenzie or Roberts, I’d choose McKenzie. 10 3 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Miyagi-Do Karate Posted February 10, 2021 Share Posted February 10, 2021 McKenzie is a tricky one. Every team needs a gadget receiver these days. I just don’t know what the market value is for a guy like McKenzie. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Punching Bag Posted February 10, 2021 Share Posted February 10, 2021 56 minutes ago, JMF2006 said: He could be the kick and punt return man if they decide to keep him. I don't see a fringe player asking for the moon in this climate/market/cap crunch While I see him willing to come back he might sign for another team closer to home or his business in Florida if offers are equal. 2 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Miyagi-Do Karate Posted February 10, 2021 Share Posted February 10, 2021 Another thing to consider— is Tanner Gentry a possible replacement for McKenzie? Gentry is probably a touch slower, but may actually have more of an ability to play both inside and outside as a receiver. Also, seems like the draft is flooded every year with very similar receivers who are taken in the 5th-7th rounds. 5’9; 180 pounds; 4.45 40’s. For example, McKenzie was a 5th rounder; Ray Ray a 7th rounder; and Antonio Brown a 6th rounder (though I don’t think anyone expected AB to develop into such a complete receiver). 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
starrymessenger Posted February 10, 2021 Share Posted February 10, 2021 In Daboll’s scheme he’s more valuable than Roberts. If he’s a good returner I’d keep him and let Roberts walk. 1 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Don Otreply Posted February 10, 2021 Share Posted February 10, 2021 I-Mac is a useful part of the offense, we should of course try to keep him. Go Bills!!! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Punching Bag Posted February 10, 2021 Share Posted February 10, 2021 5 minutes ago, Miyagi-Do Karate said: Also, seems like the draft is flooded every year with very similar receivers who are taken in the 5th-7th rounds. 5’9; 180 pounds; 4.45 40’s. For example, McKenzie was a 5th rounder; Ray Ray a 7th rounder; and Antonio Brown a 6th rounder (though I don’t think anyone expected AB to develop into such a complete receiver). Or a complete doofus. 2 3 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Over 29 years of fanhood Posted February 10, 2021 Share Posted February 10, 2021 I Like A Rob, but I still cling to this odd ideal that special teams should be mostly young guys with potential to play a role on O or D at least rotationally. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
CSBill Posted February 10, 2021 Share Posted February 10, 2021 57 minutes ago, Special K said: Not that I don’t like Roberts, but if the Bills could only keep McKenzie or Roberts, I’d choose McKenzie. agree, McKenzie offers more options: return guy, is a solid receiving option, and an effective Jet Sweep guy Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rc2catch Posted February 10, 2021 Share Posted February 10, 2021 Unpopular opinion but I picked don’t offer and let him walk. I like the guy, but I do think he’s really limited outside of just being a speedy player. He generally never makes anyone miss as a runner. I think it’s actually really easy to replace him at the lowest of contract levels. Couple guys I’d like to target who won’t break the bank.. Kalif Raymond some may remember from the titans game. Speedy guy. Mickens from Tampa. Jojo Natson coming off ACL. Deandrew white. Not sure all those guys can return outside mickens and natson but I like them all in the gadget kinda role McKenzie plays. 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Hapless Bills Fan Posted February 11, 2021 Share Posted February 11, 2021 2 hours ago, YoloinOhio said: Mckenzie Aka McKittrick aka lil Dirty is a UFA. He will be 26 in April. In 2020 regular season he played in 16 games with 7 starts. He played in 26 percent of offensive snaps and 3 percent of ST snaps. He had 30 catches on 34 targets for 282 yards and 5 TDs. He had 1 drop. He also threw for a TD, had a punt return TD and scored a TD In the AFCCG. He was on a 1 year deal in 2020 for 962k, after the Bills declined to tender him as an RFA. I do not see where to find his market value, if anyone sees that please post. Spotrac doesn't do market value on guys like him apparently. Too difficult to evaluate, would be my guess. I looked on the NFL receiving list to find a couple guys with similar production. Interestingly, he's right next to Cameron Brate - same catch %, same targets, same yards. Brate signed a contract for 6 yr/$40M with $6.5M salary next year. I don't see the Bills going for that. Basically at WR, he's got a level of production where you see young guys on minimum salary or vets on "prove it" deals. He's probably more valuable to the team than that shows, because of his KR/PR potential and his gadget plays. IMO he took a step towards becoming a more complete WR this year, but he's not going to beat out Diggs, Brown, Beasley or Davis for playing time. If the Bills want to get faster, you would think he's a guy they want to keep, especially if we part with Brown but he's also the same problem - he can be canceled by physical coverage. I picked make him an offer at the value the Bills have on him but if someone else offers him more, let him go. Edit: FWIW https://billswire.usatoday.com/2021/02/03/espn-buffalo-bills-pay-up-re-sign-isaiah-mckenzie/ quotes Bill Barnwell of ESPN+ as saying Quote The guess for McKenzie is that he signs a three-year, $10 million deal with the Bills. 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
billsfan89 Posted February 11, 2021 Share Posted February 11, 2021 Probably going to have to let him walk, some other team is going to offer him WR4 money in the 3ish million range and the Bills have Hodgins waiting in the wings. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
NewEra Posted February 11, 2021 Share Posted February 11, 2021 I love Isaiah. Great locker room guy that has proven he can be a great backup for Cole in the slot, be a great weapon and decoy with the jet motion. He can run or catch out of the jet and his speed is something the defense has to worry about. Considering Robert’s contract is up and is 32. I’d like to kill two birds with one stone and not waste another roster spot in a guy that only plays on punt and kick returns. If Robert’s had value as a gunner or a wr, I’d be all for keeping him, but he doesn’t. He’s a one trick pony. While he has one good trick, mckenzie is improving on his 3 different tricks. Returns, receiving and jet motion plays. the question is, what’ll he cost? 3 years 9 mill should get it done? Is that too much or will someone give him more. I think that’s the real question with a lot of our free agents.....what will they cost? 1 hour ago, Miyagi-Do Karate said: McKenzie is a tricky one. Every team needs a gadget receiver these days. I just don’t know what the market value is for a guy like McKenzie. You think he’s a one trick pony huh? I think Robert’s is a one trick pony. He’s a returner and that’s all. mckenzie can be a good backup In the slot, he destroyed the vaunted Miami secondary. He brings value on the jet motion and can be one of the best returners in the league as long as he’s cleaned up his fumbling issues. I don’t think that’s being a one trick pony 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Southern_Bills Posted February 11, 2021 Share Posted February 11, 2021 I think Mckenzie is a fine player. We need to keep him for his speed alone. He could be used better, as far as screens end around etc. McD is screaming speed, well that's Mckenzie. I'd bring him back unless a bidding war ensues, which I don't see. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
RichRiderBills Posted February 11, 2021 Share Posted February 11, 2021 11 minutes ago, NewEra said: Considering Robert’s contract is up and is 32. I’d like to kill two birds with one stone and not waste another roster spot in a guy that only plays on punt and kick returns. If Robert’s had value as a gunner or a wr, I’d be all for keeping him, but he doesn’t. He’s a one trick pony. While he has one good trick, mckenzie is improving on his 3 different tricks. Returns, receiving and jet motion plays. I'm with you here. Its a tough call too, as Roberts was really good at times this season. Let's also notionally consider that John Brown getting traded or cut could be a factor here too. One guy that can do all three of these slots is a huge bonus. 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Hapless Bills Fan Posted February 11, 2021 Share Posted February 11, 2021 29 minutes ago, billsfan89 said: Probably going to have to let him walk, some other team is going to offer him WR4 money in the 3ish million range and the Bills have Hodgins waiting in the wings. Serious Q: What do you see as WR4 money, and how have you evaluated this? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rochesterfan Posted February 11, 2021 Share Posted February 11, 2021 I have no problems if they want to offer him something in the 2 year range - not much money - and let him fight for a roster spot. I love the way he is our gadget guy when scouting teams - like being Hill or Jackson, but they barely use him on offense and I think you have some better guys up and coming. If he gets a better offer - let him go, but I think he is well liked and has a limited role. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Miyagi-Do Karate Posted February 11, 2021 Share Posted February 11, 2021 1 hour ago, NewEra said: I love Isaiah. Great locker room guy that has proven he can be a great backup for Cole in the slot, be a great weapon and decoy with the jet motion. He can run or catch out of the jet and his speed is something the defense has to worry about. Considering Robert’s contract is up and is 32. I’d like to kill two birds with one stone and not waste another roster spot in a guy that only plays on punt and kick returns. If Robert’s had value as a gunner or a wr, I’d be all for keeping him, but he doesn’t. He’s a one trick pony. While he has one good trick, mckenzie is improving on his 3 different tricks. Returns, receiving and jet motion plays. the question is, what’ll he cost? 3 years 9 mill should get it done? Is that too much or will someone give him more. I think that’s the real question with a lot of our free agents.....what will they cost? You think he’s a one trick pony huh? I think Robert’s is a one trick pony. He’s a returner and that’s all. mckenzie can be a good backup In the slot, he destroyed the vaunted Miami secondary. He brings value on the jet motion and can be one of the best returners in the league as long as he’s cleaned up his fumbling issues. I don’t think that’s being a one trick pony Haha— I just said the decision as to whether to sign him will be “tricky,” not that he is a “one trick pony.” I agree McKenzie brings more to the table than one thing—good gadget guy, good WR depth, good ST player (though his track record of fumbles and bobbles is a major concern). to me, the big issue isn’t Roberts vs McKenzie. It is whether there is a cheaper replacement to McKenzie. It seems like the market tends to get flooded with similar speedy slot guys. 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
NewEra Posted February 11, 2021 Share Posted February 11, 2021 8 minutes ago, Miyagi-Do Karate said: Haha— I just said the decision as to whether to sign him will be “tricky,” not that he is a “one trick pony.” I agree McKenzie brings more to the table than one thing—good gadget guy, good WR depth, good ST player (though his track record of fumbles and bobbles is a major concern). to me, the big issue isn’t Roberts vs McKenzie. It is whether there is a cheaper replacement to McKenzie. It seems like the market tends to get flooded with similar speedy slot guys. Bwahahaha!!! I’m useless without my readers. How did I get so old so fast!! 👴🏻 1 2 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rc2catch Posted February 11, 2021 Share Posted February 11, 2021 (edited) 40 minutes ago, Miyagi-Do Karate said: Haha— I just said the decision as to whether to sign him will be “tricky,” not that he is a “one trick pony.” I agree McKenzie brings more to the table than one thing—good gadget guy, good WR depth, good ST player (though his track record of fumbles and bobbles is a major concern). to me, the big issue isn’t Roberts vs McKenzie. It is whether there is a cheaper replacement to McKenzie. It seems like the market tends to get flooded with similar speedy slot guys. There are some nice players available too. With more on the way id guess. Mckenzie might have played himself into a nicer contract than we can afford. Which is also good for recruiting new players who want a chance to establish themselves Edited February 11, 2021 by Rc2catch Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Royale with Cheese Posted February 11, 2021 Share Posted February 11, 2021 Keep and get him on the field more often. The dude makes plays in his limited action. He doesn't have a great 40 but he's fast and shifty on the field. Him and Beasley in the slot and Davis/Diggs on the outside....I think that's a good package (that's what she said). If we keeps Stills, he can just be on our vertical packages. 2 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Cruiserplayer Posted February 11, 2021 Share Posted February 11, 2021 With the salary cap the way it is this year I would offer Roberts 3 year vet minimum contract guaranteed with a player opt out at the end of the first and or second year before I considered McKenzie as the returner. Maybe offer Mckittrick something similar. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Bob in STL Posted February 11, 2021 Share Posted February 11, 2021 Useful and reliable. I would make a fair offer to keep him. As others stated his kick return value is a bonus. 2 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ticketssince61 Posted February 11, 2021 Share Posted February 11, 2021 I felt that he was under utilized on the Bills - he was the fastest guy on the offense and they needed to find a way to get him more involved 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
wagne591 Posted February 11, 2021 Share Posted February 11, 2021 (edited) I say keep him and wave bye-bye to Roberts and Brown. I always wanted to see McKenzie returns punts more often. I like Roberts but he doesn't have the joystick type moves most punt returners have. Yes Roberts runs with a full head of steam but it seems like he picks a gap and runs for it no matter what, and with his size it works on kickoff returns most of the time. But I think McKenzie has a better chance of breaking one often enough to keep him at a reasonable price. -One more thing i agree with Ticketssince61. He was under utilized. I remember the next man up philosophy. What happened to that when Brown went down. It seemed like he could have been in there for Brown more to stretch the field but I don't remember him doing that much. Edited February 11, 2021 by wagne591 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
YoloinOhio Posted February 11, 2021 Author Share Posted February 11, 2021 13 minutes ago, ticketssince61 said: I felt that he was under utilized on the Bills - he was the fastest guy on the offense and they needed to find a way to get him more involved I always though Daboll loved him though and still do think that. Things seemed to trail off in the playoffs, possibly due to the defenses they played but otherwise Daboll used him a lot 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
transplantbillsfan Posted February 11, 2021 Share Posted February 11, 2021 (edited) A "McKenzie-like-player" is an integral cog in Daboll's offense. In fact, I was pretty baffled as we ended the year and no longer had him running those motion sweeps consistently... so maybe I should have said "was an integral cog..." Maybe abandoning that was a bad idea. Keep McKenzie as that guy on offense and as the punt and kick returner. Let the overpaid Andre Roberts walk. I imagine McKenzie is cheaper than Roberts, anyway. Edited February 11, 2021 by transplantbillsfan 2 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Hapless Bills Fan Posted February 11, 2021 Share Posted February 11, 2021 1 hour ago, Royale with Cheese said: Keep and get him on the field more often. The dude makes plays in his limited action. He doesn't have a great 40 but he's fast and shifty on the field. Him and Beasley in the slot and Davis/Diggs on the outside....I think that's a good package (that's what she said). If we keeps Stills, he can just be on our vertical packages. Stills is a free agent Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
JOSH HUFF Posted February 11, 2021 Share Posted February 11, 2021 He is a keeper period! I think he would be a great slot wr, and he is young 25. He also makes Roberts expandable, and Roberts is not as good as a weapon on offense. Definitely sign him to a 3 to 4 year contract! I would give him 5 million a year! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
machine gun kelly Posted February 11, 2021 Share Posted February 11, 2021 7 hours ago, JMF2006 said: He could be the kick and punt return man if they decide to keep him. I don't see a fringe player asking for the moon in this climate/market/cap crunch You know I love what Roberts did for us, and he’s a value player, but McKenzie could be that Swiss Army knife. He’s a better WR, can return, probably not as good as a 31 yr. old, and has almost looked like a RB on reverses, and even played CB in a pinch. Roberts is a couple million, and if we get a decent return and reliable back up WR, and a gadget guy, who even can back up in a pinch CB, why let that go? I truly believe of the coaches put Stills and him in the game at KC, maybe there would’ve been more openings for Allen. It’s all hindsight, but the coaches should’ve known the limitations of our guys. Maybe the same outcome, but two healthy guys out there could’ve done something. It’s not just the KC game, but an example that a guy in a pinch as Roberts isn’t that guy as seen in the Titans game. Please know I always was a proponent prior to the year for Roberts, but he is a luxury. Just my opinion, but I want versatility, and he would be cheap. 3 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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